Buying a E60 M5... will this be a big mistake?
Discussion
I currently drive a 59 plate Audi TTS. It looks great and frankly drives great too. The Quattro definitely inspires confidence especially in the wet. The TTS is perfect in every sense except it lacks drama. I lust for the noise of V8s or the like.
I've been browsing a lot lately and have found the E60 M5s to fall in just the right price brackets. However, one concern is this would be a huge money pit and will be unusable in the winter/wet (I need a all year round usable car). I don't do big motorway miles and only daily work commuting and occasional weekend countryside blast.
Can anyone (pref with an E60 M5) give any advise/insight?
I am particularly interested in this one but just not sure about mileage and colour :
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3479020.htm
I've been browsing a lot lately and have found the E60 M5s to fall in just the right price brackets. However, one concern is this would be a huge money pit and will be unusable in the winter/wet (I need a all year round usable car). I don't do big motorway miles and only daily work commuting and occasional weekend countryside blast.
Can anyone (pref with an E60 M5) give any advise/insight?
I am particularly interested in this one but just not sure about mileage and colour :
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3479020.htm
Driving mine in the wet last night at 106, track of course. All was fine. If your services are up to date then it shouldn't be too bad. You need the BMW insured warranty though.
Tyres are expensive and so are brake discs and pads, the latter will set you back £1400ish, the former won't be far off that either, for four.
Tyres are expensive and so are brake discs and pads, the latter will set you back £1400ish, the former won't be far off that either, for four.
Hi mate!
The E60 M5 has huge lateral grip and is fine in the wet, provided you treat it with respect.
Don't even try it in snow, although winter tyres actually make it quite driveable in the slippery stuff!
That one you're looking at has a good spec and appears to have had some major jobs done, although not necessarily through BMW (could be a good thing, but may be a bad thing!)
I don't like its tyres....E60s run far better on PS2s in my experience.
The number of owners is not mentioned I notice.....
As old Grouch says, you must not even contemplate one without the BMW extended warranty (not provided with this car, hence the asking price)
Whether you can get BMW to inspect it before allowing you to take out such a warranty (with a period of grace before cover kicks in), I'm not sure....I doubt it in this case.
Just take your time, drive a few and get yourself a good one.
They are stunning, utterly addictive cars.
Jazzer
The E60 M5 has huge lateral grip and is fine in the wet, provided you treat it with respect.
Don't even try it in snow, although winter tyres actually make it quite driveable in the slippery stuff!
That one you're looking at has a good spec and appears to have had some major jobs done, although not necessarily through BMW (could be a good thing, but may be a bad thing!)
I don't like its tyres....E60s run far better on PS2s in my experience.
The number of owners is not mentioned I notice.....
As old Grouch says, you must not even contemplate one without the BMW extended warranty (not provided with this car, hence the asking price)
Whether you can get BMW to inspect it before allowing you to take out such a warranty (with a period of grace before cover kicks in), I'm not sure....I doubt it in this case.
Just take your time, drive a few and get yourself a good one.
They are stunning, utterly addictive cars.
Jazzer
FredBasset said:
Out of interest how much are the rear discs and pads, looks like I need to get mine done. The fronts are new at least.
To the OP I bought one about 4 weeks ago, very very pleased with it.
Cheers
Fred
Rear discs and pads will set you back £550 DIY fitted (you'll need experience to do these), £700 Indy fitted or near £1k BMW fitted. Fronts come to about £100 more.To the OP I bought one about 4 weeks ago, very very pleased with it.
Cheers
Fred
Eddie
crazy about cars said:
I am particularly interested in this one but just not sure about mileage and colour :
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3479020.htm
Its too cheap to be sensible in my opinion. Personally i'd be looking to spend at least £20k on an E60 M5 to get into the right condition level, and be looking for one out of a BMW dealer to attain an AUC warranty. Going for the cheapest example is one sure fire way to screw yourself over. You gotta ask what is it hiding?http://pistonheads.com/sales/3479020.htm
A clutch alone will set you back 20% of this cars value so you need to make sure what youre buying isnt going to cost you more than the total cost of buying a reliable minter in the first place. Oh and it also looks like that car wont be eligable for a BMW warranty as its had Indy history.
If youre worried about this type of car being a money pit, dont buy one thats a risk. That one is very much a risk.
Eddie
FredBasset said:
Cheers Eddie
With the AUC warranty won't that be affected if I DIY or use an Indy?
Regards
Fred
No, because its not part of its stamped servicing schedule and it'll all be BMW parts. If it was servicing then yes, it needs to be BMW main dealer or BMW approved Indy. Just make sure if you do use an indy that they dont stamp anything in the book to say 'brake service': what the eye doesnt see and all that!! I get my discs and pads fitted by my indy.With the AUC warranty won't that be affected if I DIY or use an Indy?
Regards
Fred
Eddie
On first glance it seems like a fairly reasonable car for the price (that'd trade around 14k I'd guess?) however as others have mentioned lack of BMW warranty and mileage would put me off, also, there could potentially be 1-1.5k's worth of work due soon depending on what the service schedule has noted down (oil, filters, spark plug, brake fluid etc)
Push your budget to 20-22k and you'll find a much nicer range of cars - but always check the service schedule in the idrive system first (and if buying from an independent - have the service history confirmed by BMW before parting with any cash)
As for driving in the wet or cold, not a problem if you drive sensibly and with respect for others, if you experience moderate to heavy snow every year then sort yourself out with snow tyres on a separate set of rims.
And for being a money pit... I'm sorry but the words M5 and money pit go hand in hand, your wallet will resent you for the fuel, servicing, maintenance, depreciation and other assorted running costs. But that noise and power delivery... and it has the poise and handling to match. I've enjoyed / endured a love hate relationship with mine ever since I bought it, but I've had it longer than any other car I've owned, which says it all really.
Push your budget to 20-22k and you'll find a much nicer range of cars - but always check the service schedule in the idrive system first (and if buying from an independent - have the service history confirmed by BMW before parting with any cash)
As for driving in the wet or cold, not a problem if you drive sensibly and with respect for others, if you experience moderate to heavy snow every year then sort yourself out with snow tyres on a separate set of rims.
And for being a money pit... I'm sorry but the words M5 and money pit go hand in hand, your wallet will resent you for the fuel, servicing, maintenance, depreciation and other assorted running costs. But that noise and power delivery... and it has the poise and handling to match. I've enjoyed / endured a love hate relationship with mine ever since I bought it, but I've had it longer than any other car I've owned, which says it all really.
crazy about cars said:
I currently drive a 59 plate Audi TTS. It looks great and frankly drives great too. The Quattro definitely inspires confidence especially in the wet. The TTS is perfect in every sense except it lacks drama. I lust for the noise of V8s or the like.
I've been browsing a lot lately and have found the E60 M5s to fall in just the right price brackets. However, one concern is this would be a huge money pit and will be unusable in the winter/wet (I need a all year round usable car). I don't do big motorway miles and only daily work commuting and occasional weekend countryside blast.
Can anyone (pref with an E60 M5) give any advise/insight?
I am particularly interested in this one but just not sure about mileage and colour :
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3479020.htm
I've been browsing a lot lately and have found the E60 M5s to fall in just the right price brackets. However, one concern is this would be a huge money pit and will be unusable in the winter/wet (I need a all year round usable car). I don't do big motorway miles and only daily work commuting and occasional weekend countryside blast.
Can anyone (pref with an E60 M5) give any advise/insight?
I am particularly interested in this one but just not sure about mileage and colour :
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3479020.htm
Thanks for all the replies chaps 
I was initally considering an RS4 but it "feels" dated compared to the newer M5s.
£20k is just the sweetspot for my budget. I guess the main things to look out for are :
1) BMW approved extended warranty
2) Brakes and discs in good condition/recently done
A few questions though:
1) Is mileage important? Is there something to look out for M5s nearing or over 50k mark?
2) Clutch (and to some extend gearbox) seems to be a big concern. How to look out for telltale signs of imminent failure?
3) Any preference of a year to aim for? Obviously the newer the better but I wonder if there's a "sweetspot" here
4) Probably a bit silly but I like my music especialy through the iPod. Is this an easy retrofit? I had a retrofit kit on my E46 330Ci before and although it does the job its a bit messy to operate
5) Any desirable options on the M5 to look out for?
6) Are the VANOS still problematic in E60 M5s?
7) How does the autobox perform in city centre especially when there's some traffic?
Finally... I know I'm being bit lazy but can someone please link an example of a good choice? I prefer black cars but am open to options
I was initally considering an RS4 but it "feels" dated compared to the newer M5s.£20k is just the sweetspot for my budget. I guess the main things to look out for are :
1) BMW approved extended warranty
2) Brakes and discs in good condition/recently done
A few questions though:
1) Is mileage important? Is there something to look out for M5s nearing or over 50k mark?
2) Clutch (and to some extend gearbox) seems to be a big concern. How to look out for telltale signs of imminent failure?
3) Any preference of a year to aim for? Obviously the newer the better but I wonder if there's a "sweetspot" here
4) Probably a bit silly but I like my music especialy through the iPod. Is this an easy retrofit? I had a retrofit kit on my E46 330Ci before and although it does the job its a bit messy to operate
5) Any desirable options on the M5 to look out for?
6) Are the VANOS still problematic in E60 M5s?
7) How does the autobox perform in city centre especially when there's some traffic?
Finally... I know I'm being bit lazy but can someone please link an example of a good choice? I prefer black cars but am open to options
Look at the top of the M Power forum page mate. I wrote the buyers guide that should answer most of your questions.
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
As for the ipod. Most cars have a usb port inside the arm rest which does the job. Others have fitted the popular Dennison system that works well with the car.
As for good examples, give me 5 mins.
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
As for the ipod. Most cars have a usb port inside the arm rest which does the job. Others have fitted the popular Dennison system that works well with the car.
As for good examples, give me 5 mins.
Id say this is a good example. LCI car, black, very low miles etc. Might be a little underused but its got a warranty and looks well looked after.
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3330227.htm
You'd get that car for £22k or there abouts if you played hardball.
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3330227.htm
You'd get that car for £22k or there abouts if you played hardball.
Edited by ecain63 on Saturday 31st December 21:25
ecain63 said:
Id say this is a good example. LCI car, black, very low miles etc. Might be a little underused but its got a warranty and looks well looked after.
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3330227.htm
You'd get that car for £22k or there abouts if you played hardball.
Cheers dude http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3330227.htm
You'd get that car for £22k or there abouts if you played hardball.
Edited by ecain63 on Saturday 31st December 21:25
Off the read the guide 
ecain63 said:
Id say this is a good example. LCI car, black, very low miles etc. Might be a little underused but its got a warranty and looks well looked after.
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3330227.htm
You'd get that car for £22k or there abouts if you played hardball.
Be very careful when looking at autoprestige. I wouldn't buy a car from them. http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3330227.htm
You'd get that car for £22k or there abouts if you played hardball.
Edited by ecain63 on Saturday 31st December 21:25
A close friend bought a 996 turbo from them having part echanged in his old car. 2 days later he saw his old car advertised on their forecourt with 20,000 less miles. Now that stir's my blood!!
good luck with your purchase
I keep thinking of selling my E39 M5 for a E60 M5, i only do about 3000 miles a year max so fuel isn't too much of an issue.
I thought this one looked quite a good example although it is an early example being 6 yrs old,for me personally i hate the sun protection glass so i would buy one without this option.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3479103.htm
Simon.
I thought this one looked quite a good example although it is an early example being 6 yrs old,for me personally i hate the sun protection glass so i would buy one without this option.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3479103.htm
Simon.
crazy about cars said:
I currently drive a 59 plate Audi TTS. It looks great and frankly drives great too. The Quattro definitely inspires confidence especially in the wet. The TTS is perfect in every sense except it lacks drama. I lust for the noise of V8s or the like.
I've been browsing a lot lately and have found the E60 M5s to fall in just the right price brackets. However, one concern is this would be a huge money pit and will be unusable in the winter/wet (I need a all year round usable car). I don't do big motorway miles and only daily work commuting and occasional weekend countryside blast.
Can anyone (pref with an E60 M5) give any advise/insight?
I am particularly interested in this one but just not sure about mileage and colour :
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3479020.htm
cor, could've got you a 07 with 30k on the clock in silver, for not a lot more than that!!I've been browsing a lot lately and have found the E60 M5s to fall in just the right price brackets. However, one concern is this would be a huge money pit and will be unusable in the winter/wet (I need a all year round usable car). I don't do big motorway miles and only daily work commuting and occasional weekend countryside blast.
Can anyone (pref with an E60 M5) give any advise/insight?
I am particularly interested in this one but just not sure about mileage and colour :
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3479020.htm
Sold now!
Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff